Can you drink milk if you have upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 26, 2024
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Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding are advised not to drink milk. Although milk can dilute gastric acid, it can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, exacerbating symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In severe cases, it can lead to a recurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid drinking milk during the acute phase. After the onset of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department of a formal hospital as soon as possible, and complete auxiliary examinations such as an electronic gastroscopy to clarify the diagnosis. Additionally, treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be carried out through relevant endoscopic therapies. Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding should consume easily digestible foods in their diet.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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What are the symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is relatively common in clinical practice. Its clinical manifestations mainly relate to the volume and rate of bleeding. Clinically, patients may experience vomiting blood and black stools. If a patient has a large amount of bleeding, they may develop hemorrhagic shock or hemorrhagic anemia, presenting symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness. In such cases, patients should seek prompt treatment at a hospital, where they can receive blood transfusions, hemostasis, and volume repletion as active measures. If conditions permit, a gastroscopy can be performed to further clarify the diagnosis.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What medicine is used to stop bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract?

Pharmacological treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding may include aggressive fluid resuscitation to improve symptoms of hypovolemia, transfusion of red blood cells when necessary to correct anemia, and the use of acid-suppressive and gastroprotective medications to prevent further bleeding. Common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and even vascular anomalies. Therefore, in the early stages, it is advisable to choose acid-suppressive and gastroprotective medications to treat common causes such as gastric ulcers and gastritis, which lead to bleeding. The main symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding are vomiting blood or bleeding from the bowels. In severe cases, the patient may also experience dizziness and fatigue due to low blood volume. For such patients, once the condition stabilizes, it is important to conduct routine blood tests, electrocardiography, and gastroscopy to identify the specific cause of the bleeding. Different causes require different treatment approaches. If the bleeding is suspected to be caused by a tumor, pharmacological treatment may not be very effective, and surgical intervention might be more appropriate. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding generally refers to bleeding caused by esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions, which clinically manifests most commonly as vomiting blood and blood in stools. Of course, some patients may also experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and chest tightness. Common causes to be aware of include inflammation, ulcers, tumors, and vascular malformations, especially gastric and duodenal ulcers which are relatively common in clinical settings. The fastest diagnosis mainly relies on gastroscopy, thus it is recommended that patients who suspect upper gastrointestinal bleeding should undergo a gastroscopy as soon as their condition stabilizes to determine the specific cause of the bleeding, such as digestive tract ulcers or even tumors. For treatment, conservative medical management is initially advised, focusing on aggressive fluid replenishment, acid suppression for gastric protection, and blood volume supplementation. Once the gastroscopy provides a clear diagnosis, the treatment plan should be promptly adjusted.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to determine if upper gastrointestinal bleeding has led to hemorrhagic shock

Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who experience symptoms such as cold sweats, fainting, reduced urine output, dry mouth, etc., may be experiencing hemorrhagic shock and should promptly visit the gastroenterology department or emergency department of a formal hospital for timely emergency treatment. Measures include establishing an intravenous line and actively rehydrating to replenish lost fluids and blood volume. Additionally, if the patient's condition permits, it is crucial to perform a thorough gastroscopy to ascertain the cause and location of the bleeding. When necessary, endoscopic hemostasis can be carried out. Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding also need treatments such as acid suppression and protection of the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding gastroscopy time

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is also relatively common in clinical practice. The most common causes are bleeding from peptic ulcers, rupture of esophageal and gastric varices, bleeding caused by gastric cancer, and various emergency bleedings. Once gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, medical attention should be sought promptly. If the patient experiences hemorrhagic shock or hemorrhagic anemia, it is necessary to provide blood transfusions and hemostasis, and replenish blood volume as active treatments. Additionally, for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is generally advisable to complete a gastroscopic examination within 24 to 48 hours, which can help clarify the cause of the patient’s gastrointestinal bleeding.